FOR: 686
AGAINST: 185
FINAL COUNT – PASSED
The Batesville School Board had asked district voters to approve the restructuring of current bonds, and take advantage of current lower interest rates. The school board said this vote will not increase taxes.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Hester said the district is putting together funds from several sources to accumulate enough to add fine art classrooms, an auditorium, cafeteria, and kitchen.
He said about $14 million can be gained from the bond restructure. The district also is receiving $5 million in state funds towards a new auditorium and classrooms and $3.5 million in state funds through the elementary and secondary school emergency relief fund to build a new cafeteria and kitchen.
In total, just over $25 million for improvements will be used including $2 million from the district’s building fund.
For more info on this story and to listen to an interview with Dr. Hester, click here.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
